At Sagora Senior Living, we are constantly creating new experiences to engage our residents and find exciting ways to showcase our amazing communities and how we truly embrace each moment we create together.
As National Assisted Living Week 2026 comes to a close, we are taking time to celebrate the people, stories and relationships that make assisted living communities such meaningful places to call home. Observed September 13–19, this year’s theme, “Shining Through the Years,” honors the experiences residents have gathered throughout their lives and the caregivers, families and friends who help their light continue to shine.
National Assisted Living Week was established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995 as an opportunity to recognize residents, team members, volunteers and loved ones while helping communities understand the important role assisted living plays in long-term care.
The Importance of Assisted Living
Assisted living is designed to provide a balance of independence, support, connection and security. Residents can continue making choices about how they spend their days while receiving help with activities of daily living when needed. That support may include assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, medication management or other everyday tasks.
According to NCAL, more than one million residents live in more than 41,400 assisted living and residential care communities across the United States. The majority of assisted living residents are age 85 or older, and many benefit from support with daily activities. In fact, approximately 75% receive assistance with bathing and 71% receive assistance with walking.
Assisted living provides personalized care while allowing older adults to maintain as much independence as possible in a comfortable, home-like environment. But assisted living is about much more than receiving help. It is also about belonging.
Enriching Life Every Day
A strong assisted living community creates opportunities for residents to stay active, engaged and connected. Life enrichment can take many forms: fitness programs, art and music, games, educational opportunities, outings, social gatherings, chef-prepared dining experiences, holiday celebrations, volunteer opportunities and simply spending time with friends.
These moments are about more than filling a calendar. They create purpose, encourage connection and give residents opportunities to continue enjoying the interests they love while also discovering new ones. Just as importantly, they give residents a chance to share their knowledge, talents, traditions and stories with others.
National Assisted Living Week gives us an especially meaningful opportunity to celebrate those stories. Throughout the week, assisted living communities recognize residents through special activities, meals, music, family gatherings, resident spotlights and team-member celebrations. This year’s theme reminds us that every resident brings a lifetime of experiences worth hearing, sharing and celebrating.
Celebrating the People Who Make It Possible
“Shining Through the Years” also recognizes the dedicated team members who help make assisted living feel like home. From caregivers and nurses to culinary, life enrichment, housekeeping, maintenance, sales and leadership teams, each person plays a role in creating an environment where residents can feel safe, supported, respected and known.
Families are an important part of that community, too. The relationships among residents, families and team members help create continuity, trust and a true sense of belonging.
As we reflect on National Assisted Living Week, we celebrate the past, present and future of assisted living—and, most importantly, the people at the heart of it. Every story shared, friendship formed, milestone celebrated and moment of care is another reminder of what it means to truly shine through the years.
We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 90 communities in 10 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.
To learn more about the Sagora experience, tour your local community today!